Horse Guard Holding Recruit Class Open House

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) is hosting a Recruiting Open House Saturday, December 4, at 10 am at the Fairfield Hills headquarters. This is a unique opportunity to meet with the 2GHG recruit training staff and obtain information on the 2011 training program.

First Sergeant Paul Mazzara will be on hand to discuss the requirements and responsibilities of membership, the troop and its missions, and answer questions. Attendees of the open house will be given a tour the facility and have an opportunity to meet some of the horses. Recruit training will begin on February 5, and continue every Saturday through June.

Training includes military drill and ceremony, equine skills and riding lessons. Military and/or equine experience helpful, but is not necessary. Attendance at the open house is not a requirement for entry into the training program, but it is a unique opportunity to see the facility, meet with the training staff, and to obtain first-hand information about the unit.

The Horse Guard is an all-volunteer state militia unit, serving the governor and the State of Connecticut and is one of the oldest cavalry units in continuous service in the United States.

The 40 troopers and 22 mounts of 2GHG practice mounted military drill year-round in authentic 1928 McClellan saddles — the last issued by the US Army.

The guard is not a reenactment group, but rather an active cavalry unit representing the State of Connecticut in ceremonies and parades, including the inauguration of the governor. Troopers average 500 hours of service per year, which includes events such as Powder House Day in New Haven and Rochambeau Day in Hartford as well as 2GHG’s recreational riding program, Saddle Up for Life. It is a member of the Centennial Legion of Historical Military Commands and, along with the three other state militia units, participates in yearly Battalion Reviews.

Mandatory annual training is held for one week at Camp Niantic National Guard facility. The entire troop and mounts travel by convoy from Newtown to Niantic, where they receive extensive military training, including using the National Guard’s indoor weapons training facility.

In addition, the Friends of 2GHG, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association, sponsors many activities and programs such as an annual horse show, an open house — during which the troop Drill Team performs — a judged pleasure ride, and a fundraising trail ride for the benefit of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Applicants must be of good character, be between the ages of 18 and 55, and be in good physical condition. All applicants must pass a criminal background check. Applicants who are accepted as recruits will complete a 22-week comprehensive training program.

For more information, contact First Sergeant Paul Mazzara at 203-410-7334 or mazzarap@aol.com. 2GHG troopers and mounts remain, as always, “Ready To Serve.”